Three Live Dead Concerts On The Big Screen

Scott Strazzante, Chicago Tribune

Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann (partially obscured), Bob Weir and Mickey Hart (seen here in 2002) will be joined by Trey Anastasio, Jeff Chimenti and Bruce Hornsby for three concerts from Chicago's Soldier Field, which will be simulcast live to theaters nationwide

Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann (partially obscured), Bob Weir and Mickey Hart (seen here in 2002) will be joined by Trey Anastasio, Jeff Chimenti and Bruce Hornsby for three concerts from Chicago's Soldier Field, which will be simulcast live to theaters nationwide (Scott Strazzante, Chicago Tribune)

It's the current trend for rock bands and other musical acts to broadcast their concerts live in movie theaters nationwide for one day, and then show recorded versions in the days after the show. Usually these concerts range from two to three hours long. So the in-theater events Friday to Sunday, July 3 to 5, by The Grateful Dead are different and noteworthy.

Four original members of the iconic jam band — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bob Weir — will be joined by Trey Anastasio, Jeff Chimenti and Bruce Hornsby for the three, five-hour marathon concerts at Soldier Field in Chicago simulcast live.

In Connecticut, theaters that will show "Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of Grateful Dead" are Cinemark Buckland in Manchester, AMC Danbury and Connecticut Post 14 in Milford. Showtime is 8 p.m. each night. Admission is $15, $14 student, $13 child. Tickets: http://www.fathomevents.com.

In addition, "Fare Thee Well" will be shown in Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St. in New London, on Saturday, July 4, with an opening concert by the local band the McLovins, who will begin playing at 6 p.m. Suggested donation is $8 to $10. Outside food can be brought in, but beverages — beer, wine, soda, water — must be bought on-site. hygienic.ning.com.